British actors born in 1915
Here are 20 famous actors from United Kingdom were born in 1915:
Ben Wright
Ben Wright (May 5, 1915 London-July 2, 1989 Burbank) a.k.a. Benjamin Huntington Wright or Ben H. Wright was a British actor.
He began his career in British films and theatre, but eventually moved to Hollywood to pursue his acting career. He appeared in over 200 films and television shows, including popular series such as "The Twilight Zone" and "Star Trek". Wright was also a voice actor, providing the voice for the character of Grimsby in Disney's "The Little Mermaid". In addition to his acting career, Wright was a skilled artist and musician. He illustrated several children's books and even wrote a song that was recorded by Frank Sinatra. Wright passed away in 1989 at the age of 74 due to complications from cancer.
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Richard Wordsworth
Richard Wordsworth (January 19, 1915 Halesowen-November 21, 1993 Kendal) also known as Richard Curwen Wordsworth was a British actor.
He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and made his stage debut in the 1930s. Wordsworth appeared in numerous British films, including "The Small Back Room" (1949) and "The Man in the White Suit" (1951). He is perhaps best known for his role as the blind hermit in the classic horror film "The Curse of Frankenstein" (1957). In addition to his acting career, Wordsworth was also a poet and published several collections of his work.
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Max Robertson
Max Robertson (August 28, 1915 Dhaka-November 20, 2009 Guernsey) also known as William Maxwell Robertson was a British actor, author, radio personality and sports commentator.
Max Robertson was born in Dhaka, India (now in Bangladesh). He was educated in England at the public school Eton College and at Oxford University. During his time at Oxford, he became the editor of a travel magazine and began his career in broadcast journalism.
Robertson was a versatile broadcaster and commentator, covering a variety of sports, including tennis and cricket. He was also a prolific author and wrote several books on sports, including "Wimbledon: Centre Court of the Game" and "The Story of Cricket."
In addition to his sports commentary and writing, Robertson was also a well-known radio personality. He presented several shows for BBC Radio, including a weekly program about creative writing called "The Writer's Tale."
Robertson retired to the island of Guernsey, where he lived until his death in 2009 at the age of 94. He was widely regarded as one of the most knowledgeable and respected sports commentators of his time, and his contributions to broadcasting and sports journalism continue to be celebrated today.
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David Tree
David Tree (July 15, 1915 London-November 4, 2009 Welwyn Garden City) a.k.a. David Tree Parsons or Ian David Parsons was a British actor and film producer. He had five children, Belinda Parsons, Gay Parsons, Vicken Parsons, James Parsons and Susie Parsons.
Tree began his career on stage in London's West End before transitioning to film in the 1930s. He worked with notable directors such as Alfred Hitchcock and Carol Reed, and appeared in films such as "Jamaica Inn" (1939) and "The Four Feathers" (1939). During World War II, he served in the Royal Air Force and was a prisoner of war in Germany for three years.
In the post-war era, Tree continued to act in films and also produced several movies, including "The Story of Esther Costello" (1957) and "The Shakedown" (1959). He retired from acting in the 1960s, but remained involved in the film industry as a member of the British Film Institute and the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.
Tree was also known for his philanthropic work, supporting causes such as cancer research and the Royal Air Force Association. He was awarded the OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 1997 for his services to charity.
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Norman Wisdom
Norman Wisdom (February 4, 1915 Marylebone-October 4, 2010 Ballasalla) also known as Sir Norman Joseph Wisdom, Norman Joseph Wisdom, Sir Norman Wisdom or Wisdom, Norman was a British comedian, actor, singer-songwriter and screenwriter. He had two children, Nicholas Wisdom and Michael Wisdom.
During his career, Norman Wisdom made numerous appearances in films, television shows and stage productions, earning a legion of fans with his physical comedy style and lovable character. He is best known for his roles in several classic British comedy films including "The Square Peg" and "Trouble in Store". In addition to his acting career, Norman Wisdom was also a talented singer-songwriter, and released a number of popular albums throughout his life. In recognition of his contributions to entertainment, he was awarded a knighthood in 2000. Despite suffering from Alzheimer's disease in his later years, Wisdom remained an icon of British comedy until his passing in 2010.
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Michael Denison
Michael Denison (November 1, 1915 Doncaster-July 22, 1998 Amersham) also known as Michael Dennison, John Michael Terence Wellesley Denison or John Michael Terence Wellesley Denison CBE was a British actor.
He was best known for his roles in classic British films such as "The Importance of Being Earnest" (1952) and "The Glass Mountain" (1949). Denison began his acting career in the 1930s and quickly became a prominent figure in the British theatre scene. He appeared in numerous West End productions and also played a key role in the founding of the English Stage Company at the Royal Court Theatre.
In addition to his work on stage and in film, Denison was also a talented television actor and appeared in several popular TV shows throughout the 1960s and 1970s. He was awarded a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 1983 for his contributions to the performing arts.
Denison was married to actress Dulcie Gray for over fifty years until his death in 1998. The couple acted together on stage and in several films, and were widely regarded as one of the most successful acting partnerships in British history.
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Manning Whiley
Manning Whiley (January 23, 1915 London-January 29, 1975 London) a.k.a. Manning Hedges Whiley was a British actor.
He started his career on stage and made his film debut in 1945 with Carnival. Whiley appeared in numerous films and TV series, including The Lavender Hill Mob, The Benny Hill Show, and The Saint. He was known for his versatility as an actor, capable of playing comedic and dramatic roles. Whiley was also an accomplished radio performer, with credits including The Navy Lark and The Goon Show. He remained active in his profession until his death in 1975.
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Hugh Paddick
Hugh Paddick (August 22, 1915 Hoddesdon-November 9, 2000 Milton Keynes) also known as Mr. Hugh Paddick or Hugh William Paddick was a British actor, musician, singer, pianist and organist.
He began his career as a church organist and pianist before moving on to acting. Paddick was known for his work in a number of classic British TV shows, including "Round the Horne," "Doctor Who," and "The Avengers." He also appeared in a number of films, including "Carry On Regardless" and "The Magic Christian." In addition to acting, Paddick was a talented musician, playing both the piano and organ. He continued to work in film and television throughout his career, and was well-regarded by his peers for his talent and professionalism. Paddick was survived by his partner, the actor and director Graham McAlpine.
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Peter Copley
Peter Copley (May 20, 1915 Bushey-October 7, 2008 Bristol) a.k.a. Coppers, Copley or Peter Francis Gabain Copley was a British actor and lawyer. He had one child, Fanny Copley.
Peter Copley began his acting career shortly after World War II, and quickly made a name for himself in both stage and screen performances. He was often cast in supporting roles, but his talent and professionalism made him a sought-after actor in the British entertainment scene. In addition to his acting work, Copley was also a qualified lawyer and practiced law throughout his career. He was known for his sharp intellect and attention to detail, and was highly respected by his colleagues in both the legal and entertainment fields. Over the course of his long and varied career, Copley appeared in numerous classic films and television shows, and remained active in his profession right up until his death at the age of 93.
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Sam Kydd
Sam Kydd (February 15, 1915 Belfast-March 26, 1982 London) also known as Sam Jonathan Kydd or Samuel John Kydd was a British actor. He had one child, Jonathan Kydd.
Kydd began his acting career in the late 1930s, appearing in various stage productions before transitioning to film and television roles in the 1940s. He became a prominent supporting actor in British cinema throughout the 1950s and 1960s, often playing comedic or character roles.
Some of Kydd's most notable film credits include "The Long Arm" (1956), "Eyewitness" (1956), "Dunkirk" (1958), "Carry On Nurse" (1959), and "Two Way Stretch" (1960). He also made numerous appearances on British television, including roles in "The Saint," "Doctor Who," and "The Avengers."
Kydd was known for his versatility and ability to portray a wide range of characters on screen. He continued to work in film and television until his death in 1982 at the age of 67.
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Philip Friend
Philip Friend (February 20, 1915 Horsham-September 1, 1987 Chiddingfold) also known as Philip Wyndham Friend was a British actor. He had one child, Martin Friend.
Philip Friend was born to a prominent family; his father was a brigadier-general in the British Army. After completing his studies at Eton and Worcester College, Oxford, he began pursuing a career in acting. He made his stage debut in 1935 in the production "Love on the Dole" and went on to appear in several West End productions.
During World War II, Friend served in the Royal Armoured Corps and was awarded the Military Cross for his bravery in the North African campaign. After the war, he resumed his acting career and appeared in many films, including "The Liquidator," "The File of the Golden Goose," and "The Heart of the Matter."
In addition to his work in film and theater, Friend was also an accomplished horseman and polo player. He was a member of the British Olympic Polo Team and won a bronze medal in the 1936 Olympics.
Friend retired from acting in the 1970s and devoted his time to his family and his farm in Surrey. He passed away on September 1, 1987, at the age of 72.
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Isao Yamagata
Isao Yamagata (July 25, 1915 London-June 28, 1996) a.k.a. Yamagata Isao was a British actor.
Yamagata Isao was born in London to Japanese parents, and was raised in both England and Japan. He began acting in the 1930s, primarily performing in Japanese films. After serving in the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II, he returned to acting in the 1950s, appearing in both Japanese and English-language films. He also had a successful stage career in London, starring in productions like "The World of Suzie Wong" and "The Teahouse of the August Moon." Yamagata continued to work in film and television until his death in 1996, with notable appearances in "The Bridge on the River Kwai" and "The Last Emperor."
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John Witty
John Witty (September 17, 1915 Bristol-January 14, 1990 Bristol) a.k.a. Rupert John Blanchflower Featherstone-Witty or John Wittey was a British actor.
Witty started his acting career in the 1930s, with minor roles in theatre productions in Bristol. He made his movie debut in 1937 in the film "Summer of the Seventeenth Doll". Witty became a prominent actor in the 1940s, playing leading roles in films such as "The Way Ahead" (1944), "The Silver Fleet" (1943) and "Fanny by Gaslight" (1944).
In addition to his movie career, Witty was also known for his work on radio and television. He appeared in several popular television series including "The Avengers" and "The Saint". Witty also had a successful stage career, performing in numerous productions in London's West End and on Broadway.
Witty was married twice, with both marriages ending in divorce. He had two children from his first marriage. In his later years, Witty was actively involved in charity work and supported several organizations, including the RNLI and the NSPCC.
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Arthur Lowe
Arthur Lowe (September 22, 1915 Hayfield-April 15, 1982 Birmingham) also known as Arthur Lowe Jr. was a British actor and voice actor. He had one child, Stephen Lowe.
Lowe was born in the village of Hayfield in Derbyshire, England. His acting career began in 1945 when he appeared in the film "Brief Encounter". He went on to become a regular face on British television, with roles in popular shows such as "Coronation Street", "Z Cars" and "The Avengers".
However, it was his portrayal of Captain Mainwaring in the sitcom "Dad's Army" that made him a household name. The show ran from 1968 to 1977 and is still fondly remembered by many. Lowe's performance as the pompous, self-important Mainwaring was a highlight of the series.
Aside from his work on screen, Lowe was also a talented stage actor, appearing in numerous productions in London's West End. He was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 1979 for his contributions to the arts.
Sadly, Lowe passed away in 1982 at the age of 66, after battling a stroke and other health problems. Nevertheless, he left behind a rich legacy of memorable performances that continue to entertain audiences to this day.
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Lionel Murton
Lionel Murton (June 2, 1915 London-September 28, 2006 Basingstoke) also known as William Lionel Murton or Murt was a British actor.
He began his career on the stage in the 1930s and served in the Royal Air Force during World War II. After the war, he worked extensively in theatre, film, and television. Murton appeared in several notable films, including "The Third Man" (1949), "The Lavender Hill Mob" (1951), "The Dambusters" (1955), and "The Omen" (1976). He also had recurring roles on several British TV series, including "The Troubleshooters" (1965-1971) and "Emmerdale Farm" (1972-1992). In addition to his acting career, Murton was also a skilled artist and his paintings were exhibited in various galleries in England.
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Anthony Sharp
Anthony Sharp (June 16, 1915 Highgate-July 23, 1984 London) also known as Dennis Anthony John Sharp or Anthony Sharpe was a British actor.
He began his acting career in the early 1940s and appeared in numerous films and TV shows throughout his career. Sharp is best known for his roles in the films "The Battle of the River Plate" (1956) and "The 39 Steps" (1959). He was also a well-respected stage actor and performed in many productions at London's Old Vic Theatre. In addition to acting, Sharp was also a talented painter and exhibited his artwork in London galleries. He was married twice and had two children.
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Dick Emery
Dick Emery (February 19, 1915 Bloomsbury-January 2, 1983 Denmark Hill) also known as Richard Gilbert Emery or Emery, Dick was a British comedian and actor. He had four children, Gilbert Richard Emery, Nicholas William Emery, Eliza Emery and Michael Emery.
Emery began his career in the 1940s as a stage actor, performing in various theaters in London's West End. He ventured into television in the 1950s and became a household name in the 1960s and 1970s with his own TV series "The Dick Emery Show". He was known for his quick-witted comedy and an ability to effortlessly play multiple characters, often dressing in drag.
Emery also appeared in several films such as "Ooh... You Are Awful" (1972) and "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" (1972). He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1978 for his services to entertainment.
Emery was married twice, first to Sheila Steafel, and then to Ruth Ison. He passed away at the age of 67 due to complications from a heart attack. His legacy continues to live on through his comedic performances, which are still enjoyed by audiences today.
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Anthony Forwood
Anthony Forwood (October 3, 1915 Weymouth, Dorset-May 18, 1988 London) otherwise known as Anthony Forward, Tony Forwood, Anthony "Tony" Forwood or Ernest Lytton Forwood was a British actor and talent manager. He had one child, Gareth Forwood.
Forwood began his career as an actor in the 1930s, making his film debut with a small role in the 1937 film, "The Frog". He went on to appear in several British films throughout the 1930s and 40s, including "The Saint in London" (1939) and "This England" (1941).
After serving in World War II, Forwood transitioned into talent management, representing several high-profile clients such as Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, and Roddy McDowall. He played an integral role in the careers of many actors and actresses during his time as a talent manager, and is often credited with helping Elizabeth Taylor become one of the most successful actresses of all time.
Forwood remained a beloved figure in the entertainment industry throughout his life, known for his kindness and generosity towards others. He passed away in 1988 in London at the age of 72.
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Hedley Mattingly
Hedley Mattingly (May 7, 1915 London-March 3, 1998 Encino) otherwise known as Hedley Mattingley was a British actor.
He is best known for his roles in various TV series and films during the 1950s to the 1980s. Mattingly started his acting career in Hollywood in 1945 and appeared in over 180 films and TV shows. He also appeared on Broadway in "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof". Besides acting, he was also a well-known director and producer. Mattingly was married twice and had three children. He passed away in 1998 at the age of 82 due to natural causes.
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Elton Hayes
Elton Hayes (February 16, 1915 Bletchley-September 23, 2001 Bury St Edmunds) was a British composer, actor, guitarist, film score composer and singer-songwriter.
Elton Hayes began his career as a child performer, mastering the ukulele and guitar at a young age. He eventually became a prolific composer, penning numerous tracks for films and TV shows throughout the 1940s and 1950s. Hayes also dabbled in acting, taking small roles in films like "The Saint in London" and "The Ghost Train Mystery."
As a singer, Elton Hayes was known for his clear and confident voice, often performing traditional British folk songs alongside his original compositions. He released several albums throughout his career, including "Elton Hayes Sings," "Elton Hayes at the Savoy," and "Elton Hayes and Dorothy Squires."
Despite achieving success as a composer and performer, Elton Hayes remained humble throughout his career, often referring to himself as a "jobbing musician." He was a beloved figure in the British music scene and is remembered to this day for his contributions to folk music and film scores.
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